{"id":2156,"date":"2026-05-17T05:28:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T23:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-write-the-background-of-your-study\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T17:56:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T12:26:23","slug":"how-to-write-the-background-of-your-study","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-write-the-background-of-your-study","title":{"rendered":"How to write the background of your study"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228992\">What Is the Background of a Study?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228993\">Background of a Study vs. Introduction: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228994\">Why the Background Section Matters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228995\">What Should the Background of a Study Include?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228996\">Structure of the Background Section: A Practical Template<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228997\">How to Write the Background of a Study: Step-by-Step<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228998\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231228999\">Background of a Study: Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231229000\">What is the difference between Background vs. Literature Review?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231229001\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#_Toc231229002\">Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228992\"><\/a>What Is the Background of a Study?<\/h2>\n<p>The background of a study provides the <strong>contextual foundation<\/strong> for your research. It answers a fundamental question for any reader: <em>Why does this research need to exist?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>More specifically, a strong background section:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Summarizes the current state of knowledge on your topic<\/li>\n<li>Identifies gaps, controversies, or unresolved questions in the existing literature<\/li>\n<li>Explains the theoretical or historical basis for your research question<\/li>\n<li>Justifies the significance and necessity of your study<\/li>\n<li>Sets up your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-choose-a-research-question\">research question<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-framing-a-research-hypothesis\">hypothesis<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/tips-for-writing-the-perfect-imrad-manuscript\">IMRAD structure<\/a> (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) commonly used in biomedical journals, the background is embedded within the introduction, typically its central section. Think of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/4-step-approach-to-writing-the-introduction-section-of-a-research-paper\">introduction<\/a> as an inverted triangle: it begins broadly with the field-level context, narrows through the background to your specific research gap, and ends with your aims and objectives.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In short:<\/strong> The background does not just describe what is known. It builds the logical case for why your study must be done.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228993\"><\/a>Background of a Study vs. Introduction: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/h2>\n<p>This is one of the most common points of confusion, especially for early-career researchers. While the two are closely related and often appear together, they serve distinct purposes.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Background of a Study<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Primary purpose<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Orients the reader; states the research problem<\/td>\n<td>Provides detailed context; justifies the study<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Content<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Research topic, aims, scope, overview of paper<\/td>\n<td>Literature review, gaps, theoretical framework<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Tone<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Broad to specific<\/td>\n<td>Evidence-based, analytical<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Length<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Typically shorter<\/td>\n<td>Longer and more detailed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Comes first<\/td>\n<td>Usually follows or is integrated into the introduction<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/4-step-approach-to-writing-the-introduction-section-of-a-research-paper\">introduction<\/a> answers <em>what<\/em> your study is about. The background answers <em>why<\/em> it matters in the context of everything that has come before.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, for most biomedical manuscripts, these two sections are merged under a single &#8220;Introduction&#8221; heading, with the background forming the substantive middle section that bridges the opening general statement and the closing statement of aims.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228994\"><\/a>Why the Background Section Matters<\/h2>\n<p>In clinical and life sciences research, stakes are high. Reviewers, editors, and funders need to be convinced quickly that your work addresses a genuine unmet need. A weak background section can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lead to a <strong>desk rejection<\/strong> before peer review even begins<\/li>\n<li>Signal to reviewers that you haven&#8217;t mastered the literature<\/li>\n<li>Undermine confidence in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/qualitative-quantitative-or-mixed-methods-a-quick-guide-to-choose-the-right-design-for-your-research\">study design<\/a> and methodology<\/li>\n<li>Make it harder for readers to interpret your results and discussion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By contrast, a compelling background:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Demonstrates your mastery of the field<\/li>\n<li>Positions your work clearly within \u2014 and advancing beyond \u2014 existing knowledge<\/li>\n<li>Creates a logical pathway from &#8220;what is known&#8221; to &#8220;what your study will discover&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Increases the likelihood of acceptance and citation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228995\"><\/a>What Should the Background of a Study Include?<\/h2>\n<p>While the specific content will vary by discipline and research type, a robust background for a biomedical or life sciences paper should cover the following elements:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Broad Overview of the Research Topic<\/h3>\n<p>Begin with a general orientation to the field. What is the problem or phenomenon under investigation? Why is it important at a population, clinical, or scientific level? This opening signals to readers, especially those outside your immediate specialty, that your research is addressing a meaningful question.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Review of Relevant Existing Literature<\/h3>\n<p>Summarize what is already known about your topic. Prioritize <strong>review articles and landmark studies<\/strong> rather than listing every paper ever written on the subject. Present this chronologically where useful, to show how understanding has evolved. This is distinct from a standalone <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-write-the-literature-review-of-your-research-paper\">literature review<\/a> in that it should be synthesized and selective, not exhaustive.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Identification of Gaps, Controversies, or Limitations<\/h3>\n<p>This is the heart of the background. What remains unknown, contested, or methodologically flawed in existing research? Identifying a clear <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/dont-know-where-to-start-6-tips-on-identifying-research-gaps\">gap in the literature<\/a> is essential because it is the primary justification for your study. In medical research, this might mean:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Conflicting findings across prior studies<\/li>\n<li>A population subgroup that has been understudied<\/li>\n<li>A biological mechanism that remains unexplained<\/li>\n<li>Limitations in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/cross-sectional-studies-overview-applications-advantages-and-challenges\">study designs<\/a> used to date<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4. Theoretical or Conceptual Framework<\/h3>\n<p>Where relevant, briefly describe the theoretical underpinning of your research. In basic sciences, this may involve describing a biological pathway or disease mechanism. In clinical research, this could involve a conceptual model of patient outcomes.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Rationale for the Current Study<\/h3>\n<p>Bring the background to a close by connecting the gap you&#8217;ve identified to what your study will do. Explain your approach and why it is appropriate to fill this gap. This sets up your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-generate-a-research-problem-statement-from-any-topic\">research question<\/a>, hypothesis, and aims in the final section of the introduction.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228996\"><\/a>Structure of the Background Section: A Practical Template<\/h2>\n<p>Here is a structural framework to follow when writing your background:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Section<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>What to Include<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Approximate Length<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Opening<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Broad context; clinical\/scientific significance of the topic<\/td>\n<td>1\u20132 sentences<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>State of the art<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Summary of key existing research; what is known<\/td>\n<td>2\u20134 sentences<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Controversies\/limitations<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Conflicting evidence, methodological gaps, unanswered questions<\/td>\n<td>1\u20133 sentences<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Research gap<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Specific gap your study addresses<\/td>\n<td>1\u20132 sentences<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Rationale\/bridge<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Why your approach will address the gap<\/td>\n<td>1\u20132 sentences<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The total background section in most journal articles runs to <strong>one to three paragraphs<\/strong>, Less is often more, especially in high-impact journals with tight word limits.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228997\"><\/a>How to Write the Background of a Study: Step-by-Step<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Literature Search<\/h3>\n<p>Before you write a single sentence of your background, you must know the field. Conduct a systematic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/from-library-shelves-to-ai-the-transformation-of-literature-search\">literature search<\/a> using databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Take notes on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The most-cited papers in your area<\/li>\n<li>The most recent findings<\/li>\n<li>Areas of agreement and disagreement<\/li>\n<li>Methodological strengths and weaknesses of prior studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Step 2: Define the Research Gap<\/h3>\n<p>Identify precisely what your study will contribute that does not already exist. Be specific. A vague gap (&#8220;this topic has not been well-studied&#8221;) is far less persuasive than a precise one (&#8220;no randomized controlled trial has evaluated this intervention in pediatric populations with comorbid conditions X and Y&#8221;).<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Outline Before You Write<\/h3>\n<p>Create a brief outline of three to five bullet points, mapping the logical flow from broad context to specific gap. This ensures your background builds cohesively rather than reading as a disconnected list of references.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Write Concisely and Selectively<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Prioritize <strong>review articles<\/strong> for broad context; save primary studies for specific claims<\/li>\n<li>Present literature <strong>thematically or chronologically<\/strong>, not as an annotated bibliography<\/li>\n<li>Avoid excessive jargon, especially if the journal has a broader readership<\/li>\n<li>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/the-secret-to-using-tenses-in-scientific-writing\">appropriate tense<\/a>: present tense for established facts, past tense for specific prior studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Step 5: Connect the Background to Your Study Aims<\/h3>\n<p>End the background with a clear <strong>bridge sentence<\/strong> that leads into your research question, hypothesis, or objectives. This transition should feel inevitable \u2014 readers should feel that <em>of course<\/em> this gap needs to be filled, and <em>of course<\/em> your study is the right way to do it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228998\"><\/a>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Mistake<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Why It&#8217;s a Problem<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Writing a literature dump<\/td>\n<td>Buries the key insight; tires reviewers<\/td>\n<td>Be selective; synthesize, don&#8217;t list<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Confusing background with introduction<\/td>\n<td>Causes structural confusion<\/td>\n<td>Use the inverted-triangle framework<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Not identifying a clear gap<\/td>\n<td>Removes the justification for the study<\/td>\n<td>Make the gap explicit and specific<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Overloading with citations<\/td>\n<td>Reads as insecure or unfocused<\/td>\n<td>Cite review papers; use primary citations selectively<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Using inconsistent tense<\/td>\n<td>Signals poor writing<\/td>\n<td>Follow established <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/the-secret-to-using-tenses-in-scientific-writing\">tense conventions<\/a> in scientific writing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ignoring the target journal&#8217;s audience<\/td>\n<td>Background pitched too high or too low<\/td>\n<td>Read several published papers in your target journal first<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Neglecting to mention your approach<\/td>\n<td>Leaves a logical gap before the aims<\/td>\n<td>Include a brief rationale for your methods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231228999\"><\/a>Background of a Study: Examples<\/h2>\n<h3>Example 1 (Clinical Research: Weak Version)<\/h3>\n<p><em>&#8220;Diabetes is a common disease. Many studies have looked at it. This study looks at a new treatment.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Problems:<\/strong> No context, no synthesis of evidence, no gap identified.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example 1 (Stronger Version)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 537 million adults globally and is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. While metformin remains the first-line pharmacological intervention, a significant subset of patients fail to achieve glycemic targets, and long-term adherence is limited by gastrointestinal side effects. Recent evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer superior glycemic control with improved tolerability; however, head-to-head randomized data comparing these agents in patients with pre-existing renal impairment remain limited. This trial therefore aims to\u2026&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Establishes burden, summarizes standard of care, identifies a specific evidence gap, and bridges to the study rationale.<\/p>\n<h3>Example 2 (Basic Science: Stronger Version)<\/h3>\n<p><em>&#8220;Neuroinflammation has emerged as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, with microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release identified as early and persistent features of disease progression. While several in vitro studies have characterized this pathway, the downstream transcriptional regulators that sustain chronic neuroinflammation in vivo remain poorly defined. This study examines the role of NF-\u03baB signaling in microglial polarization using a transgenic mouse model of amyloidosis.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231229000\"><\/a>What is the difference between Background vs. Literature Review?<\/h2>\n<p>These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>Background of a Study<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Standalone Literature Review<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Length<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Brief (1\u20133 paragraphs)<\/td>\n<td>Extensive (full paper or chapter)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Contextualizes your study<\/td>\n<td>Comprehensively synthesizes a body of evidence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Selectivity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Highly selective<\/td>\n<td>Broad and systematic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Within the introduction<\/td>\n<td>Separate section or separate paper<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/a-young-researchers-guide-to-a-systematic-review\">systematic review<\/a>, the literature review <em>is<\/em> the study. In an original research paper, the literature review informs the background but is condensed significantly.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231229001\"><\/a>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>How long should the background of a study be?<\/h3>\n<p>For most journal articles, one to three focused paragraphs. In a thesis or dissertation, the background may be a full chapter. Always check your target journal&#8217;s author guidelines.<\/p>\n<h3>Should the background come before or after the introduction?<\/h3>\n<p>In most biomedical papers, they are integrated. The background forms the central section of the introduction. Some journals (and thesis formats) treat them as separate sections.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I use first person in the background?<\/h3>\n<p>This depends on journal style. Some journals still prefer third person or passive constructions, though this is changing. Check recent issues of your target journal. For guidance, see our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/is-it-acceptable-to-use-first-person-pronouns-in-scientific-writing\">using first person in scientific writing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>How many references should the background include?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no fixed rule, but aim for quality over quantity. Five to fifteen well-chosen citations, prioritizing recent reviews and landmark primary studies, are typically sufficient for a journal article background.<\/p>\n<h3>Is the background written before or after the rest of the paper?<\/h3>\n<p>Most experienced researchers write the background <em>after<\/em> completing the study and drafting the methods, results, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/six-steps-to-write-an-effective-discussion\">discussion sections<\/a>. This ensures the background is precisely tailored to what the paper actually delivers.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"_Toc231229002\"><\/a>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The background of a study provides the contextual justification for your research; it answers <em>why<\/em> your study needs to exist.<\/li>\n<li>It sits within the introduction, forming the middle section of the classic inverted-triangle structure.<\/li>\n<li>It is not a literature review: be selective, synthesized, and gap-focused.<\/li>\n<li>A strong background identifies a clear, specific gap and bridges logically to your study&#8217;s aims.<\/li>\n<li>Common mistakes include writing a citation list rather than a synthesis, omitting the gap, and failing to connect the background to your rationale.<\/li>\n<li>For medical and life sciences research specifically, a well-constructed background signals expertise to reviewers and strengthens the case for your study&#8217;s significance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>This article was originally published on November 27, 2018, and revised on May 17, 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">An important thing to consider is that the literature review should be organized to highlight what research has been done and point out what has been missed. There might be other studies that have tried to fill the gaps in the literature and have been unsuccessful or there might be better ways to address the gaps. Covering these points in the literature review gives the readers a perspective on the significance and the novelty of the study. This can be accomplished by comparing and contrasting previous similar studies to abreast the reader with all the knowledge about the field. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 500px;\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\">Study background<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Literature review<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should be the first section of the study<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should be the section that follows the background of the study<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should provide the context of the study<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should provide a comprehensive overview of broad and specific literature in the field<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should provide a historical perspective and highlight the significance of the study<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should critically highlight the progress of research and gaps that need to be addressed<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should not elaborate on background literature and only summarize it<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">Should provide a detailed review of the existing literature on the topic\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\">For research papers, it is usual for the background and literature review to be combined and presented together without separate headings. For dissertations, the background and literature review may be presented as separate sections. Ultimately, it is best to check your target journal\u2019s instructions before writing the background of your study. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><b>For more helpful resources, check out the following:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><a style=\"color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-write-the-background-to-the-study-in-a-research-paper\/\">How to write the background to the study in a research paper?<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 107%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><a style=\"color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/what-comprises-the-background-to-a-study-in-a-research-paper\/\">What comprises the background to a study in a research paper?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 115%;\"><span style=\"font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;\"><a style=\"color: blue; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/6-differences-between-study-background-and-literature-review\/\">INFOGRAPHIC: 6 Differences between study background and literature review<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"><span style=\"line-height: 115%;\"><span style=\"font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';\"><a style=\"color: blue; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/8-dos-and-8-donts-of-writing-an-engaging-study-background\/\">INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Dos and 8 don&#8217;ts of writing an engaging study background<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contents What Is the Background of a Study? Background of a Study vs. Introduction: What&#8217;s the Difference? Why the Background Section Matters What Should the Background of a Study Include? Structure of the Background Section: A Practical Template How to Write the Background of a Study: Step-by-Step Common Mistakes to Avoid Background of a Study: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":373,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2426],"tags":[2529,2557,1084],"new_categories":[],"new_tags":[],"series":[],"class_list":["post-2156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-study-background-introduction","tag-background-of-astudy","tag-introduction-section","tag-literature-review"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to write the background of your study | Editage Insights<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the basics of writing the study background, 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